Novena to The Holy Spirit

Friday after Ascension Thursday -- Saturday, the Vigil of Pentecost

This is the prototype of all novenas. It commemorates the nine days between the
Ascension of Our Lord and the descent of the Holy Spirit on the first Pentecost Sunday.
During this time Our Lady and the twelve Apostles prayed in the upper room for the coming
of the Paraclete.

O Holy Spirit, O my God, I adore Thee, and acknowledge, here in Thy divine presence,
that I am nothing and can do nothing without Thee. Come, great Paraclete, Thou father of
the poor, Thou comforter the best, fulfil the promise of our blessed Savior, Who would not
leave us orphans, and come into the mind and the heart of Thy poor, unworthy creature, as
Thou didst descend on the sacred day of Pentecost on the holy Mother of Jesus and on His
first disciples. Grant that I may participate in those gifts which Thou didst communicate
to them so wonderfully, and with so much mercy and generosity. Take from my heart whatever
is not pleasing to Thee, and make of it a worthy dwelling-place for Thyself. Illumine my
mind, that I may see and understand the things that are for my eternal good. Inflame my
heart with pure love of Thee, that I may be cleansed from the dross of all inordinate
attachments, and that my whole life may be hidden with Jesus in God. Strengthen my will,
that I may be made comformable to Thy divine will, and be guided by Thy holy inspirations.
Aid me by Thy grace to practice the divine lessons of humility, poverty, obedience, and
contempt of the world, which Jesus taught us in His mortal life.

Oh, rend the heavens, and come down, consoling Spirit! that inspired and encouraged by
Thee, I may faithfully comply with the duties of my state, carry my daily cross most
patiently, and endeavor to accomplish the divine will with the utmost perfection. Spirit
of love! Spirit of purity! Spirit of peace! Sanctify my soul more and more, and give me
that heavenly peace which the world cannot give. Bless our Holy Father the Pope, bless the
Church, bless our bishops, our priests, all Religious Orders, and all the faithful, that
they may be filled with the spirit of Christ and labor earnestly for the spread of His
kingdom.

O Holy Spirit, Thou Giver of every good and perfect gift, grant me, I beseech Thee, the
intentions of this novena. May Thy will be done in me and through me. Mayest Thou be
praised and glorified forevermore! Amen.